viscous coupler test?

[lil' red wagon]

A month or so ago I posted something about trying to find a rattle coming from under my wag, So I started testing in different ways to find the noise, I guess the way I was testing was a bad idea because it would cause my viscous coupler to fail, well now my wag sits out front because it left me on the side of the road with no forward motion. If I give it gas it tries to go but then just slips in place. reverse seems to work a little better, but I am not sure if it is the tranny or the viscous coupler. I checked the fluid and it says it is full but I did a fluid drain and refill a couple of weeks ago but now it is black and very thin. (not good!!) Is there a way to test if it is the coulper or the tranny itself. I was going to attempt a rebuild, but I want to make sure it's the tranny first before I start.

[FSJ Thing]

I can tell you right now it's the tranny. The viscous coupler only effects the front driveshaft, If it was not even there, you'd still get power to the rear wheels. Think of the VC as a clutch between the front driveshaft and the T-case, it allows slippage like a clutch, not differential rotation like the differentials in the axles.

[lil' red wagon]

ok. thank you. Is rebuilding a tranny as hard as everyone thinks it is. I cannot afford to have a $1000. rebiuld done on a $800.00 toy. If I cannot due it myself I am gonna have to trash it. My new tires come on monday too.

[FSJ Thing]

Originally posted by lil' red wagon:
ok. thank you. Is rebuilding a tranny as hard as everyone thinks it is. I cannot afford to have a $1000. rebiuld done on a $800.00 toy. If I cannot due it myself I am gonna have to trash it. My new tires come on monday too.A member here named Gsmikie is a tranny guru. He's on a nationwide tour right now but should be back home shortly. He sells a video for around $30-$40 that everyone who's used it says makes rebuilding a tranny yourself possible. Tranny rebuild kit s should be obtainable for around $100 I believe. I'd recommend you keep an eye out for Gsmikie to get back and start posting again and he'd probably be able to diagnose your symptoms and tell you what you'd need to do, be it a full rebuild or maybe a much smaller and cheaper repair. Good luck to yuh!

[lil' red wagon]

I actually already bought a kit , with service manual and video. I started looking at it , and it does not look that hard. but wanted to make sure I had to before tackling it. Thanks to all

[Crazy_Jeepman]

Originally posted by Wago Thing:
I can tell you right now it's the tranny. The viscous coupler only effects the front driveshaft, If it was not even there, you'd still get power to the rear wheels. Think of the VC as a clutch between the front driveshaft and the T-case, it allows slippage like a clutch, not differential rotation like the differentials in the axles.That is not correct, when a VC is destroyed, you go no where, it does not only effect the front driveshaft. :rolleyes: If you want to determine what it is, put it in low range and see what happens.

[Chevelleguy]

CJ is right! Power goes from the input shaft directly through the viscous coupling then to the rear output shaft. The only thing attached to the front shaft is the driven sprocket and chain. I have seen one not hold in 'Park' because the coupling was shot. But if your tranny fluid is black and smells burnt then I would say transmission.